If you’re looking for a showstopping dessert that’s just as delicious as it is beautiful, this Peach Bourbon Upside-Down Cake is the answer. Made with fresh, juicy peaches, a hint of warm cinnamon, and a splash of bourbon, this cake is a rich, caramelized masterpiece that celebrates the flavors of summer in the most irresistible way.
Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply indulging in a slice for yourself, this cake delivers a melt-in-your-mouth texture with layers of sweet, sticky peaches on top of a moist, tender crumb.
Why You’ll Love This Peach Upside-Down Cake
- Visually stunning and perfect for special occasions
- Deep caramel flavor from the butter-sugar-peach topping
- Touch of bourbon adds a grown-up twist and rich aroma
- Warm cinnamon spice for cozy summer vibes
- No special tools needed – simple ingredients, bold flavors
This is not just any upside-down cake—it’s an elevated version with elegance and a rustic charm that wins over every guest at first bite.
Ingredients for Peach Bourbon Upside-Down Cake
🍑 For the Caramel Peach Topping:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons bourbon (or orange juice if alcohol-free)
- 3–4 ripe peaches, peeled and sliced thin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
🍰 For the Cake Batter:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup bourbon (or milk for a non-alcoholic version)
- 1/2 cup milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
🔥 1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easier removal.
🍯 2. Make the Caramel Topping
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together until bubbling and slightly thickened (about 2–3 minutes). Stir in the bourbon and cinnamon, then pour the mixture evenly into the prepared cake pan.
🍑 3. Arrange the Peach Slices
Carefully layer the peach slices in a circular pattern over the caramel. Take your time—this is your decorative top! You can overlap slightly for a fuller effect.
🧁 4. Prepare the Cake Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes). Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla and bourbon.
Add the flour mixture in two batches, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix.
🍰 5. Assemble and Bake
Pour the batter over the peaches, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving plate. Gently lift off the pan and peel away the parchment.
Serving Tips
This cake is delicious warm or at room temperature. Serve it on its own, or elevate it with:
- A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream
- A dollop of whipped cream
- A drizzle of caramel or bourbon sauce
The warm peaches, the tender crumb, and the rich caramel make every bite unforgettable.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Storage: Cover leftovers tightly and keep at room temperature for up to 1 day or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the caramel and peach topping a few hours ahead and assemble when ready to bake.
- Freezing: Not recommended due to the caramel topping’s texture after thawing.
Recipe Variations
- No Alcohol: Substitute bourbon with apple juice, orange juice, or milk.
- Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the caramel before adding peaches for a crunch.
- Spiced Version: Add ground ginger or nutmeg for a deeper spice blend.
Why This Cake Works Every Time
The secret to this cake’s success is balance: the buttery caramel soaks into the cake, the peaches stay vibrant and juicy, and the bourbon gives it a sophisticated edge. It’s easy to make, hard to mess up, and always impressive to serve.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re enjoying it on a summer afternoon or serving it at a weekend dinner party, this Peach Bourbon Upside-Down Cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With a glowing top of golden peaches, a hint of spice, and a tender cake base, it’s a dessert that’s as comforting as it is elegant.
